March is National Peanut Month!

Did you know that peanuts are legumes?  They are in the same family as beans and peas

But peanuts are unique in that their fruit grows underground.  And yes, they are considered a fruit.

Peanuts are fairly easy to grow.  Like all plants that produce their edibles underground, they need room to expand.  That means loose soil with extra room. 

They can be grown in the north if you select a variety that has a shorter growing season or if you start them indoors.

They need plenty of organic matter in the soil along with weekly watering and full sun.

Legumes are nitrogen-affixing and so will not need to be fertilized.

As the plants grow, mound up some straw, light mulch or soil around the plants as you would for potatoes.  This increases the underground growing area.

When the leaves start to turn yellow, your peanuts should be ready to harvest.  Pull the plants up and brush the dirt off of the peanuts.  Let them dry and then enjoy them raw, boiled or roasted.